Our third day of hiking was our most challenging, and we chose the easiest of the two ways, 7.6 miles long. The trip from Merced Lake to Vogelsang is challenging and really hard in parts. The first three miles is filled with switchbacks that definitely hurt. But they aren't all evil, there are great views of Half Dome and Merced Lake. Once past the switchbacks, large meadows surrounded by peaks made up for the horrible switchbacks. The whole trip is up and up eventually to the Vogelsang camp at the base of Fletcher Peak.

Vogelsang is high in elevation, at 10,180 feet. It has no showers and not many tents, but it is a beautiful place to relax. There are many short hikes around camp, but after our exhaustive experience, I just sat on a rock and enjoyed the view of Fletcher Peak. Turkey dinner Sunday was on the menu, and it was again another great meal.

halfway up the first switchbacks from merced lake to vogelsang, with views of half dome and merced lake

high mountain meadow after the switchbacks

fletcher peak

vogelsang high sierra camp

sunset at vogelsang - half dome just right of center

along the trail from merced lake to vogelsang

deer in the meadow